Quick answer: Yes, dogs can eat a little turkey, as long as it’s plain, fully cooked, boneless and skinless. Skip the skin, bones, gravy and stuffing. They can contain fat, onions, garlic and seasonings that upset a dog’s stomach or are toxic.
Few things are harder to resist than a pair of hopeful eyes at the Thanksgiving table. The good news is that a few bites of turkey can be a perfectly safe holiday treat for most dogs. The bad news is that much of what comes with the turkey isn’t.
Here’s what’s safe to share, what to keep off your dog’s plate, and what to do if your pup helps itself to the leftovers.
Thanksgiving Foods: Safe vs Unsafe for Dogs
| Food | Safe for dogs? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Plain white turkey meat | Yes, in small amounts | Lean protein, as long as it’s cooked, unseasoned and boneless |
| Turkey skin | No | High in fat and seasoning, which can trigger stomach upset or pancreatitis |
| Cooked turkey bones | No | They can splinter and cause choking or injure the mouth, throat or gut |
| Stuffing | No | Usually contains onions, garlic or leeks, which are toxic to dogs |
| Gravy | No | Fatty and salty, often made with onion or garlic |
| Plain cooked sweet potato | Yes | A good source of fiber, as long as there’s no butter, sugar or marshmallows |
| Plain green beans | Yes | Low-calorie and crunchy, but not the casserole version with fried onions |
| Plain canned pumpkin | Yes | 100% pumpkin only, not pie filling, which has sugar and spices |
| Mashed potatoes | Not recommended | Usually loaded with butter, milk, salt and sometimes garlic |
| Grapes and raisins | No | Can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts |
| Chocolate desserts | No | Chocolate is toxic to dogs |
| Sugar-free desserts | No | May contain xylitol, which is extremely dangerous for dogs |
How to Safely Share Turkey With Your Dog
- Pick plain white breast meat that has been fully cooked, with no butter, seasoning or marinade.
- Remove all skin and every bone, including small pieces.
- Cut it into small, bite-size pieces.
- Keep the portion small. Treats, including table scraps, should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
- Skip it entirely if your dog has a sensitive stomach, a history of pancreatitis, or is on a special diet, and ask your vet first.
Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Should Never Eat
- Cooked bones from turkey or any other poultry
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives, in any form, including powders
- Grapes, raisins and currants
- Chocolate and cocoa
- Anything sweetened with xylitol
- Raw yeast dough, which can expand in the stomach
- Alcohol
- Corn cobs, which can cause intestinal blockages
Signs Your Dog Ate Something It Shouldn’t
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, a painful or bloated belly, restlessness, drooling, lethargy or loss of appetite. Some problems, like pancreatitis from fatty food, can show up a day or two after the holiday.
If you know or suspect your dog ate something toxic, or swallowed a bone, call your veterinarian or an emergency vet right away. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
Tips for a Dog-Safe Thanksgiving
- Ask guests not to feed your dog from the table.
- Keep the trash can closed or out of reach. Turkey carcasses and string are a common emergency.
- Give your dog a quiet space away from the commotion, with a long-lasting chew made for dogs.
- Set aside a small dish of dog-safe foods ahead of time so you can share without guessing.
Helpful Gear for a Calm, Dog-Safe Holiday
- KONG Classic Dog Toy (Medium): Stuff it with a little plain pumpkin or your dog’s own food and freeze it for a long-lasting distraction during dinner.
- LUKITO Lick Mat for Dogs (2 Pack): Spread a dog-safe topping on it to keep your pup busy and calm while guests arrive.
- Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl: Slows down fast eaters, which is handy if your dog’s dinner includes a few holiday extras.
- simplehuman Step Trash Can with Secure Slide Lock: A locking lid keeps turkey carcasses, bones and string out of reach, one of the most common holiday vet visits.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey? FAQ
Can dogs eat turkey skin?
It’s best not to. Turkey skin is high in fat and usually seasoned, which can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis in dogs.
Can dogs eat dark turkey meat?
Small amounts of plain, cooked dark meat are generally okay, but it’s fattier than white meat. White breast meat is the safer choice.
What should I do if my dog ate a turkey bone?
Call your vet right away, even if your dog seems fine. Don’t try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Can puppies eat turkey?
A tiny piece of plain, cooked white meat is usually fine, but puppies have sensitive stomachs. Check with your vet before adding new foods.
The Bottom Line
A few bites of plain, boneless, skinless turkey can be a safe Thanksgiving treat for most dogs. Keep the skin, bones, stuffing, gravy and desserts on the human side of the table, and you’ll both enjoy the holiday.
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your veterinarian, who knows your dog’s health best.
More from Petstachio:
- Can My Dog Eat That?
- Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Food?
- Why Isn’t My Dog Eating?
- Why Do Dogs Like To Eat Grass?
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